Association of Herpes simplex infection with significantly increased risk of head and neck cancer: real-world evidence of about 500,000 patients

BACKGROUND

The role of viral agents in the development of head and neck cancers has remained controversial. While markers of viral origin have been isolated from oral cancer tissues, a causative relationship has yet to be shown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between head and neck cancers and Herpes simplex virus, one of the most common viral infections of the oral orifice.

METHODS

Here, we conducted a retrospective analysis of two age- and gender-matched cohorts extracted from the real-world database TriNetX on March 10th, 2023, each consisting of 249,272 patients with and without Herpes simplex infections (ICD-10: B00). The diagnoses C00-C14 were analyzed, and risk analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival statics were computed.

RESULTS

The strongest association was found for lip cancer (ICD-10: C00) with a hazard ratio [HR (CI 95% low-high)] of 3.08 (1.77-5.35). A significant association with HR of 1.17 (1.02-1.34) was found for the entire group of head and neck cancers. Confounders like smoking and alcohol dependence were considered using propensity score matching.

CONCLUSION

The surprisingly strong correlation with lip, oral cavity, and pharynx neoplasms sheds new light on supposedly harmless herpes simplex infections, suggesting them as a possible new factor for risk stratification.

Spatial heterogeneity of tumor cells and the tissue microenvironment in oral squamous cell carcinoma

PURPOSE

This study describes the morphologic and phenotypic spatial heterogeneity of tumor cells and the tissue microenvironment (TME), focusing on immune infiltration in OSCCs.

STUDY DESIGN

Patients with OSCCs and planned surgical tumor resection were eligible for the study. Two biopsies each from the tumor center and the tumor rim were obtained. Immunohistochemical characterization of tumor and immune cells was performed using a panel of immunohistochemical markers.

RESULTS

Thirty-six biopsies were obtained from the 9 patients. All patients showed an individual marker expression profile with ITH. Within the same biopsy, the CPS and TPS scores showed relevant variations in PD-L1 expression. Comparisons between the tumor center and rim revealed significant differences in the up/downregulation of p53. Marker expression of patients with recurrences clustered similarly, with the higher expression of FoxP3, IDO, CD4, CD68, and CD163 at the tumor rim.

CONCLUSION

OSCCs were found to exhibit relevant ITH involving both tumor cells and TME, suggesting that biomarker analysis of multiple tumor regions may be helpful for clinical decision making and tumor characterization. The analysis of multiple spots within a biopsy is recommended for a reliable determination of PD-L1 expression and other biomarkers, impacting current clinical assessments.

Exogenous Estrogen in the Development of Head and Neck Cancer

Importance

Sex differences in head and neck cancer (HNC) incidence suggest a potential contribution of sex hormones.

Objective

To assess the role of exogenous estrogen exposure in the development of HNC in female patients.

Design, Settings, and Participants

This large multicenter cohort study using clinical records from the TriNetX real-world database included 20 years of data (through May 31, 2023) from 87 health care organizations. The TriNetX database was searched for medical records for female patients with and without exogenous estrogen exposure according to their chronological age. Cohort 1 included 731 366 female patients aged 18 to 45 years old with regular oral contraceptive (OC) intake and cohort 2 included 3 886 568 patients in the same age group who did not use OC. Cohort 3 comprised 135 875 female patients at least 50 years old receiving hormone replacement therapy (HRT), whereas cohort 4 included 5 875 270 patients at least 50 years old without HRT. Propensity score matching was performed for the confounders age, alcohol dependence, and nicotine dependence. Data analyses were performed in May 2023.

Main Outcome and Measures

Diagnosis of HNC (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision: C00-C14), and after propensity score matching (1:1 nearest-neighbor greedy matching), a risk analysis to investigate risk differences and risk ratios (RRs) with a 95% CI.

Results

Among the 718 101 female patients in each of cohorts 1 and 2 (mean [SD] age at diagnosis, 25.9 [6.7] years), those with OC intake had a higher risk of an HNC diagnosis (RR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.21-1.78) than those without OC use. Among the 131 835 female patients in each of cohorts 3 and 4 (mean [SD] age, 67.9 [12.0] years), those with postmenopausal HRT intake had a lower risk of an HNC diagnosis (RR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.64-0.92) than those without HRT use.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this cohort study illustrate a positive association between OC and a negative association between HRT and the development of HNC in female patients. Given the limitations of the TriNetX database, future research should include detailed information on the intake of OC and HRT and reproductive health information (eg, age at menarche/menopause, number of pregnancies) to more accurately define the strength and direction of the possible association between exogeneous estrogen exposure and the development of HNC in female patients.

Resection status and margin control in intraoperative frozen sectioning analysis of oral squamous cell carcinoma

PURPOSE

Intraoperative frozen section analysis (IFSA) is a well-established procedure for determining the intraoperative soft tissue resection status in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Margin status is a major predictor of the patient´s outcome, histologically free margins of ≥ 5 mm are demanded. This study evaluates the accuracy of IFSA, the impact of margin status and the impact of intraoperative margin revision on disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).

METHODS

This retrospective study included 213 patients with OSCC. IFSA results were compared with definitive histopathological reports, Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed. Cut-off values were calculated for resection margins considering known risk factors.

RESULTS

IFSA showed positive margins in 8 cases (3.8%). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed no significant differences for OS or DFS if R0-status was achieved by initial resection or immediate re-resection. Final histopathological evaluation revealed false-positive IFSA in 3/8 cases (37.5%) and false-negative IFSA in 1/205 cases (0.5%). Sensitivity was 83.3% and specificity was 98.6%. Analysis of optimal cut-off values showed no general need for larger resection margins in patients with risk factors. Cut-off values were slightly higher for patients with the risk factor alcohol consumption (7 mm for OS and DFS) or pN + ECS- disease (7 mm for DFS). Optimal cut-off values for tumour-margin-distance were around 6 mm.

CONCLUSION

IFSA provides a valuable assessment method for intraoperative soft tissue resection margins. Risk factors seemingly do not significantly influence the extent of tumour resection.

Cross-sectional analysis comparing prefabricated titanium to individualized hybrid zirconia abutments for cemented zirconia based fixed dental prostheses: a critical concept assessment

PURPOSE

Despite the differences in material properties and shapes among the different types of prefabricated titanium (pTiA) and individualized hybrid zirconia abutments (ihZiA), the biological and clinical relevance of materials and construction features remains vague. Yet, individualized ihZiA are increasingly implemented into daily routine aiming to satisfy rising expectations. The objective was to compare these two types of abutments in fixed dental prostheses (FDP).

METHODS

This cross-sectional study examined 462 implants in 102 patients comparing pTiA (52 patients) to ihZiA (50 patients) for FDP. These different treatment regimens were evaluated in terms of peri-implant health, radiographic bone loss, and oral-health related quality of life (OH-QoL) with special consideration of abutment type and superstructure design.

RESULTS

ihZiA showed significantly different design features than prefabricated pTiA, but the annual bone loss in both groups did not. Visible titanium in the esthetic zone negatively impacted OHIP 14 scores. The combination of an emergence angle (EA) of < 30° and a concave emergence profile (EP) as well as gingiva thickness (p = 0.002) at the time of the prosthetic restoration significantly improved the annual peri-implant bone loss, independently of the abutment type.

CONCLUSION

ihZiA showed comparable results to pTiA. To optimize the long-term outcome, not just material alone but generating adequate soft tissue thickness, minimizing the EA, and applying a concave EP seem to be the most relevant factors. To improve OH-QoL, particular attention must be paid to the esthetic zone.

A modified pull-through approach with a pedicled bone flap for oral and oropharyngeal cancer resection: a feasibility study

PURPOSE

Compromised swallowing, speaking, and local complications are the major disadvantages of established approaches to the posterior tongue and oropharynx. The mandibular split involves an esthetically unpleasant bipartition of the lower lip and is prone to bony non-union or sequestration. The conventional pull-through technique on the other hand lacks the secure reattachment of the lingually released soft tissues.

METHODS

The feasibility of a new modified pull-through approach was tested on three anatomical specimens. CAD/CAM cutting guides were used to design a retentive bone flap to properly refixate the genioglossus and geniohyoid muscles after the procedure. The radiographic assessment and treatment planning was performed on 12 cadavers. The entire procedure was tested surgically via dissection in three of those cases. This procedure was then applied in a clinical case.

RESULTS

Precise repositioning and dynamic compression of bony segments was possible reproducibly and without injury to adjacent structures. In all dissected cases, a median lingual foramen was found and in two cases vessels entering it could be dissected Radiologic anatomical landmarks were sufficient in all 12 cases to perform the clinical planning procedure. Clinically, the osteotomized segment demonstrated good blood supply and plateless repositioning was verified postoperatively via cone beam scan.

CONCLUSION

The method presented is safe and easy to perform. Individual cutting guides improve the safety and accuracy of the procedure, potentially eliminating the need for osteosynthesis. We provide the anatomical and radiologic basis for clinical evaluation of this pedicled bone flap procedure and present the clinical application of this modified pull-through approach.

Beneficial Effect of Metformin on the Five-Year Survival in about 40,000 Patients with Head and Neck Cancer

INTRODUCTION

Even in times of new therapy regimes, the overall survival of patients with head and neck cancer remains low. Since the previous studies showed the beneficial effect of metformin medication on the survival of patients with cancer, our objective was to investigate if-and in which way-metformin medication affects the overall survival of patients with head and neck cancer.

METHODS

Clinical data pertaining to patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer (International Classification of Diseases 10 codes C00-C14, C31, and C32) were retrospectively retrieved from the TriNetX network (TriNetX, Cambridge, MA, USA). The initial cohort extracted from the network was stratified into two groups: patients on metformin medication (cohort I), and individuals not on metformin medication (cohort II). The matching criteria included age, gender, BMI, type 2 diabetes, and risk factors, such as nicotine and alcohol abuse/dependence. Kaplan-Meier analysis, risk analysis, and the calculation of odds and hazard ratios were conducted. Additionally, the Hemoglobin A1c values were subject to analysis.

RESULTS

Following matching, each cohort comprised 20,416 patients. Cohort I exhibited a higher five-year survival rate at 75.3%, in contrast to cohort II, which registered a rate of 69.8%. The odds ratio was 0.79 (95% CI = 0.75-0.83), and the hazard ratio was 0.78 (95% CI = 0.75-0.82).

CONCLUSION

Metformin medication may correlate with improved five-year survival rates in patients with head and neck cancer. Since potentially influencing factors such as comorbidities and the initial tumor stage were not available, the results of our retrospectively conducted study must be interpreted with caution.

Publication performance of university maxillofacial surgeons in Germany

The aim of this bibliometric analysis was to benchmark the publication activities of German university departments of oral and maxillofacial surgery. The publication performance of staff surgeons (chief and consultants), documented by first or last authorship, from 37 German university departments was captured over a 10-year period (January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2019). All publications listed in PubMed were included. Additionally, the Impact Factor (IF) was determined. A total of 213 surgeons were identified, of whom 158 (74.2%) were publishing. The number of publications was 1,777, published in 311 journals. Publication activity ranged from an average of 23.3 publications per staff surgeon in the top-ranked department to 0 publications in the last-ranked. The same trend was observed for the total cumulative IFs (CIFs) per member (range from 56.2 to 0). The most common used journal was the Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery (19.7%), with focus on "dentoalveolar surgery" (24%) and "operative techniques and procedures" (28.3%). Women constituted 19.2% of the staff, contributing to 8.5% of the publications. The publication performance of German university departments of oral and maxillofacial surgery exhibits a high variance, which did not correlate with the number of personnel and could only be explained by different research motivations.

[Salivary Gland Tumors: Limitations of International Guidelines and Status of the planned AWMF-S3-Guideline]

Primary salivary gland carcinomas are not among the common head and neck tumors. They are characterized by manifold different histological types. Clinically, malignant tumors often cannot be distinguished from benign tumors, so that in these cases malignancy is only established by histopathological diagnosis. These are all reasons why there are relatively few clinical trials on the diagnosis, therapy and follow-up of these tumors. This in turn has the consequence that often only recommendations with limited evidence can be made in clinical guidelines. The most important international guidelines are the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline of 2023, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) guideline of 2021, the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) guideline of 2022 and still the British National Multidisciplinary guideline of 2016. These 4 international guidelines with their strengths and limitations are presented and commented here. Against this background, the development of a first German S3 clinical guideline on salivary gland tumors is important and expected to be completed in 2023. For the first time in the German guideline program on oncology, benign and malignant tumors are presented together in order to comprehensively do justice to the special features of salivary gland tumors.

Diagnostic pitfalls in pediatric orbital entrapment fractures

Prompt diagnosis and management of orbital entrapment fractures in the pediatric patient have been advocated. This retrospective study analyzed a cohort of orbital entrapment fractures in pediatric patients with regard to diagnostic pitfalls, treatment and outcomes in a Level I trauma center in Germany. Based on medical records and radiological imaging, patients under the age of 18 years who presented with orbital fractures during 2009-2021 were analyzed. Overall, 125 patients presented with orbital fractures, of whom 29 patients (23.2%) had orbital entrapment fractures. The majority of patients presented with monocle hematoma (n = 23), diplopia (n = 20), and/or restricted extraocular eye movement (n = 14). While all patients with orbital entrapment fractures underwent three-dimensional imaging, 10 radiological reports (34.5%) did not include findings on orbital entrapment fractures. All patients underwent surgical exploration in less than 24 h. In 12 patients, clinical symptoms such as diplopia and restricted ocular elevation were documented upon postoperative evaluation before discharge. Considering the significant proportion of orbital entrapment fractures that are not noted on radiological imaging, prompt clinical examination should be initiated in pediatric patients at risk for orbital fractures. Urgent surgical intervention should be recommended in entrapment fractures.

Biomechanical evaluation of CAD/CAM magnesium miniplates as a fixation strategy for the treatment of segmental mandibular reconstruction with a fibula free flap

Titanium patient-specific (CAD/CAM) plates are frequently used in mandibular reconstruction. However, titanium is a very stiff, non-degradable material which also induces artifacts in the imaging. Although magnesium has been proposed as a potential material alternative, the biomechanical conditions in the reconstructed mandible under magnesium CAD/CAM plate fixation are unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the primary fixation stability and potential of magnesium CAD/CAM miniplates. The biomechanical environment in a one segmental mandibular reconstruction with fibula free flap induced by a combination of a short posterior titanium CAD/CAM reconstruction plate and two anterior CAD/CAM miniplates of titanium and/or magnesium was evaluated, using computer modeling approaches. Output parameters were the strains in the healing regions and the stresses in the plates. Mechanical strains increased locally under magnesium fixation. Two plate-protective constellations for magnesium plates were identified: (1) pairing one magnesium miniplate with a parallel titanium miniplate and (2) pairing anterior magnesium miniplates with a posterior titanium reconstruction plate. Due to their degradability and reduced stiffness in comparison to titanium, magnesium plates could be beneficial for bone healing. Magnesium miniplates can be paired with titanium plates to ensure a non-occurrence of plate failure.

Quantifying bone healing after mandibular displacement in orthognathic surgery

Impaired bony healing following bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) is a major unmet medical need for affected patients, and rare occurrences can hinder the identification of underlying risk factors. We hypothesised that osseous union following BSSO can be quantified using volumetric analysis, and we aimed to identify the risk factors for impaired bone healing. The percentage change in bony volume was measured in orthognathic patients following BSSO using two consecutive postoperative cone-beam computed tomography scans. Patients' characteristics and treatment parameters were documented, and correlation and regression analyses of these variables performed. Thirty-six patients (23 men and 13 women) with a mean (SD) age of 33.28 (11.86) years were included. The gap site (lingual versus buccal) (p < 0.01) had a significant impact on the change in volume. Age (p = 0.06) showed a trend towards significance. Initial width of the osteotomy gap, sex, and indication for surgery did not influence osseous healing. Increased age at surgery and the side of the buccal osteotomy are independent risk factors for impaired osseous healing following BSSO.

Osteogenic Effect of a Bioactive Calcium Alkali Phosphate Bone Substitute in Humans

(1) Background: The desire to avoid autograft harvesting in implant dentistry has prompted an ever-increasing quest for bioceramic bone substitutes, which stimulate osteogenesis while resorbing in a timely fashion. Consequently, a highly bioactive silicon containing calcium alkali orthophosphate (Si-CAP) material was created, which previously was shown to induce greater bone cell maturation and bone neo-formation than β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) in vivo as well as in vitro. Our study tested the hypothesis that the enhanced effect on bone cell function in vitro and in sheep in vivo would lead to more copious bone neoformation in patients following sinus floor augmentation (SFA) employing Si-CAP when compared to β-TCP. (2) Methods: The effects of Si-CAP on osteogenesis and Si-CAP resorbability were evaluated in biopsies harvested from 38 patients six months after SFA in comparison to β-TCP employing undecalcified histology, histomorphometry, and immunohistochemical analysis of osteogenic marker expression. (3) Results: Si-CAP as well as β-TCP supported matrix mineralization and bone formation. Apically furthest away from the original bone tissue, Si-CAP induced significantly higher bone formation, bone-bonding (bone-bioceramic contact), and granule resorption than β-TCP. This was in conjunction with a higher expression of osteogenic markers. (4) Conclusions: Si-CAP induced higher and more advanced bone formation and resorbability than β-TCP, while β-TCP's remarkable osteoconductivity has been widely demonstrated. Hence, Si-CAP constitutes a well-suited bioactive graft choice for SFA in the clinical arena.

The risk of osteomyelitis after mandibular fracture is doubled in men versus women: analysis of 300,000 patients

Postoperative complications following mandibular fracture treatment vary from local wound infections to severe conditions including osteomyelitis and impaired fracture healing. Several risk factors have been associated with the development healing disorders, including fracture localisation, treatment modality and substance abuse. However, limited research on the sex-specific influence of these complications exists. A total of about 300,000 female and male patients with mandibular fractures were examined in two cohorts. After matching for confounders (age, nicotine and alcohol dependence, malnutrition, overweight, anaemia, diabetes, osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency), two cohorts were compared with propensity-score-matched patients according to outcomes (osteomyelitis, pseudoarthrosis and disruption of the wound) within 1 year after fracture. There were significant differences between female and male patients regarding the occurrence of osteomyelitis (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval]: 0.621 [0.563; 0.686]) and disruption of the wound (OR [95% confidence interval]: 0.703 [0.632; 0.782]). Surprisingly, matching for the expected confounders did not change the results substantially. Sex plays a dominant role in determining the risk stratification for postoperative osteomyelitis and disruption of the wound, after accounting for other potential confounding factors. Additional research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and to develop sex-specific strategies to prevent these complications.

Oncologic Outcome in Advanced Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma After Refusal of Recommended Adjuvant Therapy

Importance

Clinicians may be confronted with patients refusing recommended adjuvant therapy (AT) after the primary resection of an advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, for this tumor entity, data are lacking regarding the oncological outcomes and associated factors after refusal of AT.

Objective

To evaluate the difference in survival and disease recurrence for patients with and without recommended AT after resection of advanced OSCC.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this single-center retrospective matched cohort study, patients with advanced OSCC who refused recommended AT between January 2010 and December 2021 were matched 1:1 according to Union for International Cancer Control tumor staging with patients who completed AT.

Exposures

Patients with advanced OSCC who refused or completed recommended AT between 2010 and 2021.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome of this study was the comparison of overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) between the 2 study groups.

Results

A total of 82 patients (mean [SD] age at time of surgery, 68.0 [11.3] years; 38 [46.3%] female, 44 [53.7%] male) with and without AT (41 per study group) were included in the analysis. Patients refusing AT developed more frequent disease recurrence than patients who completed AT (61.0% vs 26.8%; difference, 34.2%; odds ratio, 4.26; 95% CI, 1.68-10.84). In addition, patients who refused AT presented with lower 2-year OS (72.7% vs 88.6%; difference, 15.9%; 95% CI, 8.6%-40.6%) and much lower 2-year RFS (39.1% vs 74.2%; difference, 35.1%; 95% CI, 0.2%-70.5%). In the patient cohort who rejected AT, a worse OS was associated with female sex (48.6% vs 90.5%; difference, 41.9%; 95% CI, 0.6%-84.4%), pT1-2 category (57.1% vs 92.3%; difference, 35.2%; 95% CI, 3.3%-73.6%), and pN1 or higher category (61.2% vs 82.6%; difference, 21.4%; 95% CI, 14.1%-56.8%). Lower RFS was associated with female sex (37.9% vs 90.9%; difference, 53.0%; 95% CI, 8.0%-97.9%), advanced T category (pT3-4, 35.3% vs 80.0%; difference, 44.7%; 95% CI, 6.4%-95.3%), lymph node yield of 20 or greater (31.4% vs 80.6%; difference, 49.2%; 95% CI, 4.9%-93.4%), and lymph node ratio of less than 4.6% (36.6% vs 84.4%; difference, 47.8%; 95% CI, 1.8%-93.1%).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of patients with advanced OSCC, refusal of AT was associated with worse oncological outcomes. The prevalence of disease recurrence during follow-up was 34% higher in patients who refused AT than in patients who completed AT. The results from this study may assist clinicians in guiding patients who are considering refusal of or withdrawal from AT.

Worse prognosis in females with new onset of depression after oral cancer diagnosis: a retrospective case-control study

Background

Sex-related discrepancies in the prognosis of oral cancer patients have not been clarified. This study aimed to assess survival outcomes and potential prognostic factors in female and male patients with oral cancer.

Methods

A retrospective search of the TriNetX network (TriNetX, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA) was conducted to identify patients diagnosed with oral cancer (International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 codes C02-C06), within the past 20 years from the access date April 21, 2023. Patients were categorized according to sex (female vs. male). Following matching for age and risk factors such as nicotine dependence and alcohol abuse, Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed and risk, odds, and hazard ratios were calculated. Outcome variables were five-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Additionally, the female and male patient cohort were compared with regard to the novel diagnosis of depression (depressive episode, major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder) after the tumor diagnosis.

Results

A total of 77,348 patients were assessed. After propensity score matching, 26,578 male and 26,578 female patients were included in each group (mean age 63 years). DFS (71.92% in females vs. 68.29% in males; hazard ratio (HR) 0.870; p < 0.001) and OS (77.08% in females vs. 71.74% in males; HR 0.793; p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the female cohort. However, in patients diagnosed with depression after the initial cancer diagnosis (N = 4,824), survival was worse in female patients compared to male patients (82.48% in females vs. 86.10% in males; HR 1.341; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This retrospective case-control study showed that females with oral cancer had a better DFS and OS than males. However, survival in females with a newly diagnosed depression after the oral cancer diagnosis was worse compared to those of male oral cancer patients. Depression may be a relevant prognostic factor that contributes to sex disparities in oral cancer patients.

Impact of the adjacent bone on pseudarthrosis in mandibular reconstruction with fibula free flaps

BACKGROUND

Mechanical and morphological factors have both been described to influence the rate of pseudarthrosis in mandibular reconstruction. By minimizing mechanical confounders, the present study aims to evaluate the impact of bone origin at the intersegmental gap on osseous union.

METHODS

Patients were screened retrospectively for undergoing multi-segment fibula free flap reconstruction of the mandible including the anterior part of the mandible and osteosynthesis using patient-specific 3D-printed titanium reconstruction plates. Percentage changes in bone volume and width at the bone interface between the fibula/fibula and fibula/mandible at the anterior intersegmental gaps within the same patient were determined using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Additionally, representative samples of the intersegmental zones were assessed histologically and using micro-computed tomography (µCT).

RESULTS

The bone interface (p = 0.223) did not significantly impact the change in bone volume at the intersegmental gap. Radiotherapy (p < 0.001), time between CBCT scans (p = 0.006) and wound healing disorders (p = 0.005) were independent risk factors for osseous non-union. Preliminary analysis of the microstructure of the intersegmental bone did not indicate morphological differences between fibula-fibula and fibula-mandible intersegmental bones.

CONCLUSIONS

The bone interface at the intersegmental gap in mandibular reconstruction did not influence long-term bone healing significantly. Mechanical and clinical properties seem to be more relevant for surgical success.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in recurrent or secondary oral squamous cell carcinoma after previous neck dissection

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the potential of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in patients with recurrent or a secondary oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) without clinical signs of lymph node metastases (cN0), who were previously treated with a surgical approach.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of all patients with cN0 recurrent or secondary OSCC, who were treated using SLNB after previous neck dissection. Endpoints were sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection rate, negative predictive value (NPV) and sensitivity.

RESULTS

A total of 17 patients with a mean age of 68.6 years were included. SLN were detected in 15 of 17 cases (detection rate: 88.2%). In seven patients (41.2%), a bilateral or contralateral lymph drainage of a unilateral carcinoma was found. Two patients (11.8%) demonstrated a positive SLN upon pathohistological analysis, which led to an upstaging. In one case, a non-SLN was positive, which is considered a false-negative result. The mean follow-up for all patients with histologically negative SLN including the patients without a detected SLN was 11.8 months (range: 0-31 months). Of these, one patient developed (isolated) neck recurrence after 12 months resulting in an overall NPV of 86.7% and a sensitivity of 50.0% for the SLNB as a neck staging procedure.

CONCLUSION

SLNB can improve the staging of patients with recurrent or secondary OSCC, who present with a history of a previous neck dissection. Further studies are required to demonstrate the oncological benefit of SLNB in this patient cohort.

Patient-specific 3D-printed mini-versus reconstruction plates for free flap fixation at the mandible: Retrospective study of clinical outcomes and complication rates

This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes and complication rates of patient-specific 3D-printed mini- and reconstruction plates for free flap fixation in mandibular reconstruction. A retrospective monocentric study was carried out between April 2017 and December 2021 to analyze patients undergoing immediate mandibular reconstruction using fibula free flaps and osteosynthesis using patient-specific 3D-printed implants. Eighty-three patients with a mean age of 63.6 years were included. The mean follow-up period was 18.5 months. Patient-specific 3D-printed plates were designed as reconstruction plates (38 patients), miniplates (21 patients) or a combination of reconstruction- and miniplates (24 patients). With miniplates, plate removal was performed significantly more often via an intraoral approach (p < 0.001) and in an outpatient setting (p = 0.002). Univariate analysis showed a higher fistula rate with reconstruction plates (p = 0.037). Multivariate analysis showed no significant differences in complications. Case-control matching demonstrated significantly lower rates of fistula (p = 0.017) and non-union (p = 0.029) in the combined group. This retrospective study shows a tendency towards reduced complication rates with patient-specific 3D-printed miniplates in comparison to patient-specific 3D-printed reconstruction plates for immediate mandibular reconstruction with fibula free flaps.

Comparison of the risk of hospital admission, need for ventilation, sepsis, pneumonitis and death among the recent monkeypox outbreak and historical outbreaks

BACKGROUND

The course of monkeypox can be severe. Our aim was to retrospectively compare the risk of hospital admission, the need for ventilation, sepsis, pneumonitis and death between the recent outbreak and historical outbreaks.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cases of monkeypox were retrieved from the TriNetX database and assigned to either cohort I (recent outbreak between May 1st and September 16th, 2022) and cohort II (historical outbreaks before May 1st, 2022). After matching for age distribution, statistical analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Of 640 patients with monkeypox 81 subjects per cohort remained after matching (mean age±standard deviation = 36.1±18.3 years). Within 56 days after diagnosis 10 patients per cohort were hospitalized (12.4%) and/or developed sepsis (12.4%). The risk of ventilation and pneumonitis were significantly lower among cohort I compared with cohort II (0 vs. 10 cases; risk difference = 12.4%; p = 0.001; Log-Rank test). No cases of death were recorded.

CONCLUSION

Even though monkeypox provides a risk of severe courses, the infection is self-limiting in most cases. Unlike past outbreaks, the risk of ventilation and pneumonitis may be relatively low among recent outbreaks.

The impact of teeth and dental restorations on gray value distribution in cone-beam computer tomography: a pilot study

PURPOSE

To investigate the influence of teeth and dental restorations on the facial skeleton's gray value distributions in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

METHODS

Gray value selection for the upper and lower jaw segmentation was performed in 40 patients. In total, CBCT data of 20 maxillae and 20 mandibles, ten partial edentulous and ten fully edentulous in each jaw, respectively, were evaluated using two different gray value selection procedures: manual lower threshold selection and automated lower threshold selection. Two sample t tests, linear regression models, linear mixed models, and Pearson's correlation coefficients were computed to evaluate the influence of teeth, dental restorations, and threshold selection procedures on gray value distributions.

RESULTS

Manual threshold selection resulted in significantly different gray values in the fully and partially edentulous mandible. (p = 0.015, difference 123). In automated threshold selection, only tendencies to different gray values in fully edentulous compared to partially edentulous jaws were observed (difference: 58-75). Significantly different gray values were evaluated for threshold selection approaches, independent of the dental situation of the analyzed jaw. No significant correlation between the number of teeth and gray values was assessed, but a trend towards higher gray values in patients with more teeth was noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Standard gray values derived from CT imaging do not apply for threshold-based bone segmentation in CBCT. Teeth influence gray values and segmentation results. Inaccurate bone segmentation may result in ill-fitting surgical guides produced on CBCT data and misinterpreting bone density, which is crucial for selecting surgical protocols. Created with BioRender.com.

Maxillomandibular advancement is a safe procedure in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea. Results of a retrospective study

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a syndrome with a high burden on public health. Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) has proven to be a highly effective treatment option. This retrospective analysis evaluated the safety of maxillomandibular advancement with rotation in patients with OSA. A total of 63 patients with OSA were included in this study. Surgical treatment by maxillomandibular advancement was virtually planned based on preoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). A 3D printed guide and a customised implant were used for surgical transfer. The safety of MMA was evaluated based on the necessity of postoperative intermediate care unit (IMCU) stay, duration of stay in hospital, and recording of medical complications. A total of 63.5% of the OSA patients treated by MMA (n = 40/63) were postoperatively transferred from the recovery room directly to the regular ward, while 36.5% of the patients (n = 23/63) stayed on IMCU for at least one night. On average, the length of hospitalisation was four days after surgery. One patient from the ward group and one patient from the IMCU group developed a major complication according to Clavian-Dindo classification grade IV. MMA is a safe surgical procedure. The necessity for postoperative monitoring in an IMCU setting should be based on an individual risk evaluation. However, since major complications can occur, MMA should be performed as an inpatient procedure in a hospital with available intensive medicine care. This study underlines the safety of MMA in OSA patients.

Patients ' perspectives on bone replacement materials in a German university hospital setting

BACKGROUND

The challenges in developing new bone replacement materials and procedures reside not solely in technological innovation and advancement, but also in a broader patient therapy acceptance. Therefore, there is a need to assess patients' perspectives on the materials and approaches in use as well as the ones being developed to better steer future progress in the field.

METHODS

A self-initiating cross-sectional questionnaire aimed at people seeking treatment at the university hospital environment of Charité Berlin was formulated. The survey contained 15 close-ended questions directed toward the participant's epidemiological profile, willingness, acceptance, and agreement to receive different bone replacement materials, as well as, worries about the post-surgical consequences that can arise post bone replacement surgery. Descriptive and categorical analysis was performed to compare the observed number of subjects, their profile and each related response (Pearson's chi-square test or Fischer's test, p < 0.05).

RESULTS

A total of 198 people engaged with the questionnaire, most of them Millennials. Overall patients trusted scientifically developed biomaterials designed for bone replacement, as demonstrated by their willingness to participate in a clinical trial, their acceptance of alloplastic materials, and the none/few worries about the presence of permanent implants. The data revealed the preferences of patients towards autologous sources of cells and blood to be used with a biomaterial. The data have also shown that both generation and education influenced willingness to participate in a clinical trial and acceptance of alloplastic materials, as well as, worries about the presence of permanent implants and agreement to receive a material with pooled blood and cells.

CONCLUSION

Patients were open to the implantation of biomaterials for bone replacement, with a preference toward autologous sources of blood and/or tissue. Moreover, patients are concerned about strategies based on permanent implants, which indicates a need for resorbable materials. The knowledge gained in this study supports the development of new bone biomaterials.

Comparison of the 3D-microstructure of human alveolar and fibula bone in microvascular autologous bone transplantation: a synchrotron radiation μ-CT study

Introduction: Autologous bone transplantation is successfully used in reconstructive surgery of large/critical-sized bone defects, whereby the microvascular free fibula flap is still regarded as the gold standard for the reconstruction of such defects in the head and neck region. Here, we report the morphological and lacunar properties of patient-paired bone samples from eight patients from the jaw (AB; recipient site) and the fibula (FB; donor site) on the micron length-scale using Synchrotron µ-CT. Insights into differences and similarities between these bone structures could offer a better understanding of the underlying mechanism for successful surgical outcomes and might clear the path for optimized, nature-inspired bone scaffold designs. Methods: Spatial vessel-pore arrangements, bone morphology, fluid-simulation derived permeability tensor, osteocyte lacunar density, and lacunar morphology are compared. Results: The orientation of the vessel system indicates a homogenous vessel orientation for AB and FB. The average mineral distance (50%) to the closest vessel boundary is higher in AB than in FB (the mean is 96 μm for AB vs. 76 μm for FB; p = 0.021). Average osteocyte lacunar density is found to be higher in AB than in FB (mean 22,874 mm3 vs. 19,376 mm3 for FB; p = 0.038), which might compensate for the high distance from the mineral to the nearest vessel. No significant differences in lacunar volume are found between paired AB and FB. Discussion: A comparable vessel network and similar distribution of vessel porosity between AB and FB may allow the FB graft to exhibit a high regeneration potential when connected to AB, and this might correlate with a high osteoinductive and osteoconductive potential of FB when connected to AB. Since widely used and potent synthetic bone grafts exist, new insight into the bone structure of well-established autologous bone grafts, such as the free fibula flap, could help to improve the performance of such materials and therefore the design of 3D scaffolds.

Vestibuloplasty and its impact on the long-term survival and success of dental implants in irradiated and non-irradiated patients after head and neck tumor therapy: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of vestibuloplasty on the clinical success and survival of dental implants in head and neck tumor patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective single-center study was conducted. All patients received surgical therapy of a tumor in the head or neck and underwent surgical therapy and, if necessary, radiotherapy/radiochemotherapy. Patients with compromised soft tissue conditions received vestibuloplasty using a split thickness skin graft and an implant-retained splint. Implant survival and success and the influence of vestibuloplasty, gender, radiotherapy, and localizations were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 247 dental implants in 49 patients (18 women and 31 men; mean age of 63.6 years) were evaluated. During the observation period, 6 implants were lost. The cumulative survival rate was 99.1% after 1 year and 3 years and 93.1% after 5 years for patients without vestibuloplasty, compared to a survival and success rate of 100% after 5 years in patients with vestibuloplasty. Additionally, patients with vestibuloplasty showed significantly lower peri-implant bone resorption rates after 5 years (mesial: p = 0.003; distal: p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates a high cumulative survival and success rate of dental implants after 5 years in head and neck tumor patients, irrespective of irradiation. Patients with vestibuloplasty showed a significantly higher rate of implant survival and significantly lower peri-implant bone resorption after 5 years.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Vestibuloplasty should always be considered and applied if required by the anatomical situations to achieve high implant survival/success rates in head and neck tumor patients.

Prognostic factors in surgically treated malignant salivary gland tumors

OBJECTIVES

To identify prognostic factors for evidence-based risk stratification in malignant salivary gland tumors.

METHODS

This retrospective study identified 162 patients who presented with malignant salivary gland tumors between 2010 and 2020. Final analysis included 91 patients who underwent surgical treatment at our institution and were followed-up for ≥ 1 year. Medical records were reviewed and patients were categorized according to their risk profile.

RESULTS

This study included 91 patients (51 males, 40 females, mean age 61 years). The most frequent entities were adenoid cystic carcinoma (n = 13, 14.3%) and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (n = 12, 13.2%). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated a five-year overall survival (OS) of 66.2% and a recurrence-free survival (RFS) of 50.5%. Age > 60 years (p = 0.011), categorization into high-risk group (p = 0.011), UICC stage (p = 0.020), T stage (p = 0.032), grading (p = 0.045) and vascular invasion (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with OS; age > 60 years (p = 0.014), categorization into high-risk group (p < 0.001), UICC stage (p = 0.021), T stage (p = 0.017), grading (p = 0.011), vascular invasion (p = 0.012) and lymphovascular invasion (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with RFS. Multivariate Cox regression with backward elimination identified T stage (HR 1.835; 95% CI 1.187-2.836; p = 0.006) and grading (HR 2.233; 95% CI 1.113-4.480; p = 0.024) as significant factors for OS. Grading (HR 2.499; 95% CI 1.344-4.648; p = 0.004) was confirmed as a significant factor for RFS.

CONCLUSION

Considering the risk of recurrence and distant metastasis in malignant salivary gland tumors, locoregional surgical control may not be sufficient and adjuvant therapies such as radiotherapy and/or systemic therapies should be considered.

Quality of life and psychological evaluation of patients after anaplastology

A comprehensive questionnaire with 43 questions was designed to evaluate quality of life, based on rehabilitation with a facial prosthesis. Each patient's psychological situation was assessed using the validated questionnaire and associated scales. Different patient groups were compared with each other in terms of questionnaire scores and general data. In total, 76 patients with a prosthesis of the orbit, nose, or ear, or a combination thereof, were included. There was a highly significant difference in overall satisfaction with defect reconstruction via a prosthesis of the ear compared with the orbit and nose (F(3) = 6.511, p = 0.001). Patients with congenital defects showed a significantly higher level of general satisfaction compared with patients with acquired defects (F(2) = 5.795, p = 0.001). Patients who returned to work were significantly more satisfied with their quality of life (T(57) = 2.626, p = 0.011). With regard to improvements to the state-of-the-art prostheses, the majority of patients suggested better retention, more durable colors, make-up possibilities, less noticeable margins, softer materials, and a movable orbital prosthesis. Within the limitations of the study it seems that facial epitheses improved mental wellbeing and increased quality of life among patients with facial defects. Multiple factors, such as type of facial defect, location of residence, and education can have a potential influence on the quality of life of affected patients. However, further studies are needed, since the psychological and social challenges remain.

A tissue engineered 3D printed calcium alkali phosphate bioceramic bone graft enables vascularization and regeneration of critical-size discontinuity bony defects in vivo

Introduction: Recently, efforts towards the development of patient-specific 3D printed scaffolds for bone tissue engineering from bioactive ceramics have continuously intensified. For reconstruction of segmental defects after subtotal mandibulectomy a suitable tissue engineered bioceramic bone graft needs to be endowed with homogenously distributed osteoblasts in order to mimic the advantageous features of vascularized autologous fibula grafts, which represent the standard of care, contain osteogenic cells and are transplanted with the respective blood vessel. Consequently, inducing vascularization early on is pivotal for bone tissue engineering. The current study explored an advanced bone tissue engineering approach combining an advanced 3D printing technique for bioactive resorbable ceramic scaffolds with a perfusion cell culture technique for pre-colonization with mesenchymal stem cells, and with an intrinsic angiogenesis technique for regenerating critical size, segmental discontinuity defects in vivo applying a rat model. To this end, the effect of differing Si-CAOP (silica containing calcium alkali orthophosphate) scaffold microarchitecture arising from 3D powder bed printing (RP) or the Schwarzwalder Somers (SSM) replica fabrication technique on vascularization and bone regeneration was analyzed in vivo. In 80 rats 6-mm segmental discontinuity defects were created in the left femur. Methods: Embryonic mesenchymal stem cells were cultured on RP and SSM scaffolds for 7d under perfusion to create Si-CAOP grafts with terminally differentiated osteoblasts and mineralizing bone matrix. These scaffolds were implanted into the segmental defects in combination with an arteriovenous bundle (AVB). Native scaffolds without cells or AVB served as controls. After 3 and 6 months, femurs were processed for angio-µCT or hard tissue histology, histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analysis of angiogenic and osteogenic marker expression. Results: At 3 and 6 months, defects reconstructed with RP scaffolds, cells and AVB displayed a statistically significant higher bone area fraction, blood vessel volume%, blood vessel surface/volume, blood vessel thickness, density and linear density than defects treated with the other scaffold configurations. Discussion: Taken together, this study demonstrated that the AVB technique is well suited for inducing adequate vascularization of the tissue engineered scaffold graft in segmental defects after 3 and 6 months, and that our tissue engineering approach employing 3D powder bed printed scaffolds facilitated segmental defect repair.

Statin Medication Improves Five-Year Survival Rates in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer: A Retrospective Case-Control Study of about 100,000 Patients

INTRODUCTION

The overall survival among head and neck cancer patients is still low, even in a time of new therapy regimes. Regarding cancer patients' survival, statin use has already proven to be associated with favorable survival outcomes. Our objective was to investigate the influence of statin medication on the overall survival of head and neck cancer patients.

METHODS

Retrospective clinical data of patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer (International Classification of Diseases codes: C00-C14) were retrieved from a real-world evidence database. The initial cohort was divided into patients with statin medication, who were assigned to building cohort I, and subjects without statin medication, who were assigned to cohort II, both matched by age, gender, and risk factors (nicotine and alcohol abuse/dependence). Subsequently, Kaplan-Meier and risk analyses were performed, and odds and hazard ratios were calculated.

RESULTS

After matching, each cohort contained 48,626 patients (cohort I = females: 15,409; (31.7%), males 33,212 (68.3%); mean age ± standard deviation (SD) at diagnosis 66.3 ± 11.4 years; cohort II = females: 15,432; (31.7%), males 33,187 (68.2%); mean age ± standard deviation (SD) at diagnosis 66.4 ± 11.5 years). Five-year survival was found to be significantly higher for cohort I, with 75.19%, respectively 70.48% for cohort II. These findings were correlated significantly with a risk of death of 15.9% (cohort I) and 17.2% (cohort II); the odds ratio was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.881-0.942) and the hazard ratio 0.80 (0.777-0.827).

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that the five-year survival of head and neck cancer patients is significantly improved by statin medication. As this study was conducted retrospectively, our data must be interpreted with caution, especially since other potential influencing factors and the initial tumor stage were not available.

Imaging the Tight Orbit: Radiologic Manifestations of Orbital Compartment Syndrome

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Orbital compartment syndrome is a sight-threatening emergency caused by rising pressure inside the orbit. It is usually diagnosed clinically, but imaging might help when clinical findings are inconclusive. This study aimed to systematically evaluate imaging features of orbital compartment syndrome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included patients from 2 trauma centers. Proptosis, optic nerve length, posterior globe angle, morphology of the extraocular muscles, fracture patterns, active bleeding, and superior ophthalmic vein caliber were assessed on pretreatment CT. Etiology, clinical findings, and visual outcome were obtained from patient records.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine cases of orbital compartment syndrome were included; most were secondary to traumatic hematoma. Pathologies occurred in the extraconal space in all patients, whereas intraconal abnormalities occurred in 59% (17/29), and subperiosteal hematoma in 34% (10/29). We observed proptosis (affected orbit: mean, 24.4 [SD, 3.1] mm versus contralateral: 17.7 [SD, 3.1] mm; P < .01) as well as stretching of the optic nerve (mean, 32.0 [SD, 2.5] mm versus 25.8 [SD, 3.4] mm; P < .01). The posterior globe angle was decreased (mean, 128.7° [SD, 18.9°] versus 146.9° [SD, 6.4°]; P < .01). In 69% (20/29), the superior ophthalmic was vein smaller in the affected orbit. No significant differences were detected regarding the size and shape of extraocular muscles.

CONCLUSIONS

Orbital compartment syndrome is characterized by proptosis and optic nerve stretching. In some cases, the posterior globe is deformed. Orbital compartment syndrome can be caused by an expanding pathology anywhere within the orbit with or without direct contact to the optic nerve, confirming the pathophysiologic concept of a compartment mechanism.

Pediatric Maxillofacial Trauma: Insights into Diagnosis and Treatment of Mandibular Fractures in Pediatric Patients

Aim

To assess the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in pediatric mandibular fractures with regards to fracture pattern and localization.

Patients and methods

This retrospective study included patients under the age of 17 years that presented to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin with mandibular fractures over an 11-year long period (2010-2020). Medical records were analyzed for age, gender, injury mechanism, clinical presentation, imaging modalities, fracture pattern, and fracture management. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, normality testing, and Mann-Whitney U tests.

Results

A total of 91 pediatric patients (23 females and 68 males) presented with mandibular fractures. The majority of mandibular fractures occurred in patients aged 13-16 years (67.0%, n = 61). The main causes were activities of daily life (34.1%), followed by assault (25.3%). Malocclusion and pain upon mandibular joint compression were documented in 72.5% and 51.7% of patients, respectively. The most frequently applied radiological diagnostic tool was a panoramic X-ray (49.5%). The main fracture patterns were single (42.9%) and double fractures (48.4%). An age-adapted surgical approach using open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) was the most frequent management (61.5%). A conservative approach was favored in cases of condylar head fractures. Resorbable plates were used in eight cases of ORIF (8.8%).

Conclusion

Treatment regimens should be carefully selected based on the unique anatomy of the pediatric patient with regards to centers of growth and dentition phase, to restore stomatognathic function and to maintain adequate skeletal growth and eruption of teeth.

Clinical significance

This study illustrates the challenges of mandibular fracture management in the pediatric patient.

How to cite this article

Hofmann E, Koerdt S, Heiland M, et al. Pediatric Maxillofacial Trauma: Insights into Diagnosis and Treatment of Mandibular Fractures in Pediatric Patients. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(3):499-509.

Antibiotics Significantly Decrease the Survival of Head and Neck Carcinoma Patients with Immunotherapy: A Real-World Analysis of More Than 3000 Cases

OBJECTIVE

The human gut microbiome is strongly influenced by the administration of drugs, namely antibiotics. We hypothesized that the effectiveness of immunotherapy with pembrolizumab in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients is decreased by the administration of antibiotics three months before and after immunotherapy.

METHODS

We retrieved data from patients diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) (International Classification of Diseases [ICD]-10 codes C00-C14) and receiving immunotherapy with pembrolizumab from the TriNetX network. Two cohorts were built: patients in cohort I did not receive any antibiotics within three months before or up to three months after immunotherapy, while patients in cohort II were administered antibiotics at least once within three months before or after immunotherapy. To exclude confounders, we matched cohorts 1:1 for age, sex, secondary lymph node metastases, nicotine dependence, the insertion of feeding devices, body mass index (BMI) and severe sepsis. After defining the primary outcome as "death", a Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed, and the risk ratio (RR), odds ratio (OR) and hazard ratio (HR) were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 3651 patients were enrolled, and after matching, each cohort consisted of 1362 patients. Among cohorts I and II, 346 and 511 patients were deceased within one year (risk of death = 25.5 and 38.3%, respectively), whereby the risk difference was significant (p = 0.000; log-rank test). The RR was 0.68 (95% confidence interval: 0.60-0.76), OR was 0.57 (0.48-0.67) and HR was 0.58 (0.51-0.67).

CONCLUSIONS

Our hypothesis was confirmed: administering antibiotics significantly decreases the drug effectiveness of immunotherapy. We hypothesize that this finding is associated with antibiotic-related changes in the gut microbiome. Prospective clinical studies on the gut microbiome in cancer patients are necessary to understand the complex ecosystem of microbiota during immunotherapy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Due to the retrospective nature of the study, no registration was necessary.

Dental MRI-only a future vision or standard of care? A literature review on current indications and applications of MRI in dentistry

MRI is increasingly used as a diagnostic tool for visualising the dentoalveolar complex. A comprehensive review of the current indications and applications of MRI in the dental specialities of orthodontics (I), endodontics (II), prosthodontics (III), periodontics (IV), and oral surgery (V), pediatric dentistry (VI), operative dentistry is still missing and is therefore provided by the present work.The current literature on dental MRI shows that it is used for cephalometry in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics, detection of dental pulp inflammation, characterisation of periapical and marginal periodontal pathologies of teeth, caries detection, and identification of the inferior alveolar nerve, impacted teeth and dentofacial anatomy for dental implant planning, respectively. Specific protocols regarding the miniature anatomy of the dentofacial complex, the presence of hard tissues, and foreign body restorations are used along with dedicated coils for the improved image quality of the facial skull.Dental MRI poses a clinically useful radiation-free imaging tool for visualising the dentoalveolar complex across dental specialities when respecting the indications and limitations.

Subgroup Analysis of Overall Survival among Smoking and Non-Smoking Elderly Patients with HNSCC

Smoking is a leading cause of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, non-smokers are also affected by HNSCC, and the prognostic factors applicable to older non-smokers with HNSCC are largely unknown. The aim of this study was to determine predictors of overall survival (OS) in patients both with and without a smoking history aged 70 and over at initial diagnosis. Retrospective data of patients aged ≥70 (initial diagnoses 2004–2018) were examined. Evaluated predictors included tumour stage, biological age, health and therapy. A total of 688 patients (520 smokers, 168 non-smokers) were included with a median age of 74. The 5-year OS was 39.6%. Non-smokers had significantly improved OS compared to smokers (52.0% versus 36.0%, p < 0.001). Disease-free survival (DFS) differed significantly between both groups (hazard ratio = 1.3; 95%CI 1.04–1.626). TNM stage and the recommended therapies (curative versus palliative) were comparable. The proportion of p16-positive oropharyngeal carcinomas was significantly higher in non-smokers (76.7% versus 43.8%, p < 0.001). Smokers were significantly more likely to be men (p < 0.001), drinkers (p < 0.001), and have poorer health status (Karnofsky performance status, KPS, p = 0.023). They were also more likely to have additional tumours (p = 0.012) and lower treatment adherence (p = 0.038). Important predictors of OS identified in both groups, were, among others, alcohol abuse, KPS, Charlson comorbidity index, site of primary tumour, UICC stage and treatment received. Elderly non-smokers are also affected by HNSCC, however, both OS and DFS are increased compared to smokers.

Adjuvant Radiotherapy in Patients with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity or Oropharynx and Solitary Ipsilateral Lymph Node Metastasis (pN1)—A Prospective Multicentric Cohort Study

(1) Background: Evaluation of impact of adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity/oropharynx (OSCC) of up to 4 cm (pT1/pT2) and solitary ipsilateral lymph node metastasis (pN1). A non-irradiated group with clinical follow-up was chosen for control, and survival and quality of life (QL) were compared; (2) Methods: This prospective multicentric comprehensive cohort study included patients with resected OSCC (pT1/pT2, pN1, and cM0) who were allocated into adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) or observation. The primary endpoint was overall survival. Secondary endpoints were progression-free survival and QL after surgery; (3) Results: Out of 27 centers, 209 patients were enrolled with a median follow-up of 3.4 years. An amount of 137 patients were in the observation arm, and 72 received adjuvant irradiation. Overall survival did not differ between groups (hazard ratio (HR) 0.98 [0.55–1.73], p = 0.94). There were fewer neck metastases (HR 0.34 [0.15–0.77]; p = 0.01), as well as fewer local recurrences (HR 0.41 [0.19–0.89]; p = 0.02) under adjuvant RT. For QL, irradiated patients showed higher values for the symptom scale pain after 0.5, two, and three years (all p < 0.05). After six months and three years, irradiated patients reported higher symptom burdens (impaired swallowing, speech, as well as teeth-related problems (all p < 0.05)). Patients in the RT group had significantly more problems with mouth opening after six months, one, and two years (p < 0.05); (4) Conclusions: Adjuvant RT in patients with early SCC of the oral cavity and oropharynx does not seem to influence overall survival, but it positively affects progression-free survival. However, irradiated patients report a significantly decreased QL up to three years after therapy compared to the observation group.

Increased incidence of adult-onset Still's disease in association with COVID-19 vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 infection

BACKGROUND

Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a multi-system, auto-inflammatory disease characterized by fever, arthralgia, typical rash, leukocytosis, sore throat, and liver dysfunction, among other symptoms. Retrospective studies about the frequencies of AOSD have shown that this disease is very rare. However, there has been an increased scientific interest in the last 2 years, as numerous case studies on AOSD have been published. These case studies describe the occurrence of AOSD after SARS-CoV-2 infection and/or COVID-19 vaccination.

METHODS

We analyzed the incidence of AOSD to examine a potential association between AOSD and SARS-CoV-2 infection and/or COVID-19 vaccination. The TriNetX dataset consists of 90 million patients. We found 8474 AOSD cases, which we analyzed regarding SARS-CoV-2 infection and/or vaccination status. We also analyzed the cohorts considering demographic data, lab values, co-diagnoses and treatment pathways.

RESULTS

We divided the AOSD cases into four cohorts: primary cohort (AOSD), Cov cohort (AOSD + SARS-CoV-2 infection), Vac cohort (AOSD + COVID-19 vaccination) and Vac + Cov cohort (AOSD + COVID-19 vaccination + SARS-CoV-2 infection). For the primary cohort, we found an annual incidence of 0.35 per 100.000. We found an association between AOSD and SARS-CoV-2 infection and/or COVID-19 vaccination. According to the numerical analysis, the incidence of AOSD doubled for the Cov cohort and Vac cohort. Moreover, the incidence of AOSD was 4.82 times higher for Vac + Cov cohort. The lab values for inflammatory markers were increased. Co-diagnoses such as rash, sore throat, and fever appeared in all AOSD cohorts, with the highest occurrences in the AOSD + COVID-19 vaccination + SARS-CoV-2 infection cohort. We identified several lines of treatments, mainly in association with adrenal corticosteroids.

CONCLUSIONS

This research supports the assumption of an association between AOSD and SARS-CoV-2 infection and/or COVID-19 vaccination. However, AOSD remains a rare disease and the usage of vaccines to fight the COVID-19 pandemic should not be questioned because of the increased incidence of AOSD.

A retrospective case-control study for the comparison of 5-year survival rates: the role of adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy in craniofacial bone sarcoma in adults

Background

The impact of adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of craniofacial bone sarcomas has not been clarified. This study aimed to assess whether survival outcomes differed between patients who underwent adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods

A retrospective search for adult patients diagnosed with malignant neoplasms of the craniofacial bones (International Classification of Diseases 10 codes C41.0-C41.1), within the past 20 years from the access date 28 April 2022, was conducted using the TriNetX network (TriNetX, Cambridge, MA, USA). Cohort I included patients who underwent adjuvant chemotherapy and cohort II included patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. A refined search for individuals that received common chemotherapeutic agents, such as methotrexate, doxorubicin, cisplatin, and/or ifosfamide, was conducted and patients were assigned to cohort A (adjuvant chemotherapy) and cohort B (neoadjuvant chemotherapy). Following matching for age and sex, Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed, and risk ratio, odds ratio (OR), and hazard ratio were calculated.

Results

Patients were assigned to two cohorts, with 181 patients each after matching. In cohorts I and II, 55 and 41 patients died, respectively. No significant differences were found between the two cohorts regarding the 5-year survival probability (I: 59.87% versus II: 68.45%; p = 0.076; log-rank test), or the risk of dying (I: 0.304 versus II: 0.227; risk difference: 0.077; p = 0.096). The risk analysis before matching for age and sex showed a significant survival benefit in cohort II (OR: 1.586; p = 0.0295; risk difference: 0.093). After a refined query to identify patients treated with methotrexate, doxorubicin, cisplatin, and/or ifosfamide, the two cohorts included 47 patients, respectively. In cohort A (adjuvant chemotherapy), 19 patients died, whereas 12 patients died in cohort B (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) within 5 years after diagnosis. Further analysis indicated a greater survival in cohort B, but the survival probability between the cohorts did not differ significantly (A: 43.55% versus B: 54.49%; p = 0.171).

Conclusion

The use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy may improve survival rates in patients with surgically treated craniofacial bone sarcomas. Due to the retrospective nature of this study, randomized controlled studies are required to derive treatment recommendations.

Clinical and Technical Validation of Novel Bite Force Measuring Device for Functional Analysis after Mandibular Reconstruction

Bite force measuring devices that are generally suitable for edentulous patients or patients undergoing mandibular reconstruction are missing. This study assesses the validity of a new bite force measuring device (prototype of loadpad^®, novel GmbH) and evaluates its feasibility in patients after segmental mandibular resection. Accuracy and reproducibility were analyzed with two different protocols using a universal testing machine (Z010 AllroundLine, Zwick/Roell, Ulm, Germany). Four groups were tested to evaluate the impact of silicone layers around the sensor: no silicone ("pure"), 2.0 mm soft silicone ("2-soft"), 7.0 mm soft silicone ("7-soft") and 2.0 mm hard silicone ("2-hard"). Thereafter, the device was tested in 10 patients prospectively who underwent mandibular reconstruction using a fibula free flap. Average relative deviations of the measured force in relation to the applied load reached 0.77% ("7-soft") to 5.28% ("2-hard"). Repeated measurements in "2-soft" revealed a mean relative deviation of 2.5% until an applied load of 600 N. Maximum bite force decreased postoperatively by 51.8% to a maximum mean bite force of 131.5 N. The novel device guarantees a high accuracy and degree of reproducibility. Furthermore, it offers new opportunities to quantify perioperative oral function after reconstructive surgery of the mandible also in edentulous patients.

Long-term in vivo observations show biocompatibility and performance of ZX00 magnesium screws surface-modified by plasma-electrolytic oxidation in Göttingen miniature pigs

Bioabsorbable magnesium implants for orthopedic fixation of bone have recently become available for different fields of indication. While general questions of biocompatibility have been answered, tailoring suitable degradation kinetics for specific applications as well as long-term tissue integration remain the focus of current research. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the long-term degradation behavior and osseointegration of Mg-Ca-Zn (ZX00MEO) based magnesium implants with plasma-electrolytic oxidation (PEO) surface modification (ZX00MEO-PEO) in comparison to non-surface modified implants in vivo and in vitro. Besides a general evaluation of the biological performance of the alloy over a prolonged period, the main hypothesis was that PEO surface modification significantly reduces implant degradation rate and improves tissue interaction. In vitro, the microstructure and surface of the bioabsorbable screws were characterized by SEM/EDS, cytocompatibility and degradation testing facilitating hydrogen gas evolution, carried out following ISO 10993-5/-12 and ASTM F3268-18a/ASTM G1-03 (E1:2017). In vivo, screws were implanted in the frontal bone of Minipigs for 6, 12, and 18 months, following radiological and histomorphometric analysis. A slower and more uniform degradation and improved cytocompatibility could be shown for the ZX00MEO-PEO group in vitro. A significant reduction of degradation rate and enhanced bone formation around the ZX00MEO-PEO screws in vivo was confirmed. Proficient biocompatibility and tissue integration could generally be shown in vivo regardless of surface state. The tested magnesium alloy shows generally beneficial properties as an implant material, while PEO-surface modification further improves the bioabsorption behavior both in vitro and in vivo. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Devices from bioabsorbable Magnesium have recently been introduced to orthopedic applications. However, the vast degradation of Magnesium within the human body still gives limitations. While reliable in-vivo data on most promising surface treatments such as Plasma-electrolytic-Oxidation is generally scarce, long-time results in large animals are to this date completely missing. To overcome this lack of evidence, we studied a Magnesium-Calzium-Zinc-alloy with surface enhancement by PEO for the first time ever over a period of 18 months in a large animal model. In-vitro, surface-modified screws showed significantly improved cytocompatibility and reduction of degradation confirmed by hydrogen gas evolution testing, while in-vivo radiological and histological evaluation generally showed good biocompatibility and bioabsorption as well as significantly enhanced reduction of degradation and faster bone regeneration in the PEO-surface-modified group.

The risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma in patients with and without somatoform disorders including bruxism: A retrospective evaluation of 309,278 individuals

Background

The question arises if there is an association of psycho-emotional stress and chronic soft tissue injuries caused by bruxism somatoform disorders with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methods

Patients with and without "somatoform disorders including psychogenic disturbances" (International Classification of Diseases [ICD]-10 code F45.8), and/or "unspecific behavioral syndromes" (F59), and/or "sleep related bruxism" (G47.63), and/or "other sleep disorders" (G47.8) were retrieved from the TriNetX network to gain cohort I. Cohort II was formed by patients without the aforementioned diagnoses, and by matching for age, gender, tobacco use, and alcohol abuse. After defining the primary outcome as "OSCC" (ICD-10 codes C00-C14), a Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed, and risk ratio (RR) and odds ratio (OR) were calculated.

Results

After matching, each cohort accounted for 154,639 patients (59.7% females; 40.3% males; mean current age (± standard deviation) = 43.4 ± 24.5 years). Among cohorts I and II, 907 and 763 patients, respectively, were diagnosed with OSCC within 5 years (risk of OSCC = 0.6% and 0.5%), whereby the risk difference was significant (p < 0.001; Log-Rank test). RR and OR were 1.19 (95% confidence interval (CI), lower = 1.08 and upper = 1.31) and 1.19 (95% CI, 1.08-1.31).

Conclusions

Psycho-emotional stress and/or chronic mucosal injuries may play a role in carcinogenesis. However, the results need to be interpreted cautiously due to limitations of the applied approach. It may thus far only be concluded that further research is necessary to investigate hypotheses regarding psychogenic carcinogenesis and tumor formation due to chronic tissue trauma.

Clinical Success of Periorbital Craniofacial Implants: Introduction of a Staging System and Treatment Algorithm for Peri-implant Infections

Purpose: To compare different assessment methods for peri-implant inflammation to evaluate potential risk factors and to generate a comprehensive algorithm for clinical staging, treatment, and evaluation of success in periorbital implants. Materials and Methods: In this hospital-based cross-sectional study, 111 periorbital implants in 40 patients with orbital defects after exenteration were clinically analyzed. Skin reaction according to Holgers (SRH), probing depth (PD) , and sulcus fluid flow rate (SFFR), as well as patient-specific data, such as age, sex, smoking and irradiation status, cleaning agent and frequency, defect etiology, implant system, implant location, time span since implantation, and type of retention, were assessed and statistically analyzed via mixed-model calculations. Success was defined as the absence of necessary invasive or antibiotic treatment. Results: A total of 62 implants (55.9%) had been placed in male patients and 49 implants (44.1%) in female patients. There were 18 patients (52 implants, 46.8%) who had received radiotherapy. Mean inflammation levels were low. PD and SFFR were highly correlated, whereby PD increased significantly with time after implantation. SRH ≥ 2 was correlated significantly with higher PD and SFFR values. While 80% of the implants did not require invasive or antibiotic treatment, 45% of the patients presented at least one affected implant. The data gathered allowed for the definition of a staging and treatment algorithm for peri-implantitis in periorbital implants. No patient-specific factors showed a significant impact on peri-implant inflammation. Conclusion: Periorbital implant restorations with magnetic abutments are a safe treatment option for orbital defects. PD and SRH were proven to be valuable quick assessment tools and should be complemented by SFFR, if inconclusive. The established parameters for the staging of peri-implant tissue health and clinical success can serve as a viable tool for reliable and comparable assessment in clinical and scientific settings. Further studies are necessary to assess the suggested treatment algorithm.

Biomechanical Comparison of WE43-Based Magnesium vs. Titanium Miniplates in a Mandible Fracture Model in Sheep

In fractures of the mandible, osteosynthesis with titanium plates is considered the gold standard. Titanium is an established and reliable material, its main disadvantages being metal artefacts and the need for removal in case of osteosynthesis complications. Magnesium, as a resorbable material with an elastic modulus close to cortical bone, offers a resorbable alternative osteosynthesis material, yet mechanical studies in mandible fracture fixation are still missing. The hypothesis of this study was that magnesium miniplates show no significant difference in the mechanical integrity provided for fracture fixation in mandible fractures under load-sharing indications. In a non-inferiority test, a continuous load was applied to a sheep mandible fracture model with osteosynthesis using either titanium miniplates of 1.0 mm thickness (Ti1.0), magnesium plates of 1.75 mm (Mg1.75), or magnesium plates of 1.5 mm thickness (Mg1.5). No significant difference (p > 0.05) was found in the peak force at failure, stiffness, or force at vertical displacement of 1.0 mm between Mg1.75, Mg1.5, and Ti1.0. This study shows the non-inferiority of WE43 magnesium miniplates compared to the clinical gold standard titanium miniplates.

Prevalence of dental caries in children with congenital heart disease

BACKGROUND

Congenital heart defects (CHD) affect about 8 out of 1000 births worldwide. Most of the patients reach adulthood and are exposed to an increased risk of endocarditis. Since bacteria already enter the bloodstream during everyday activities, oral hygiene is given special importance in the prevention of endocarditis.

METHODS

In this study 81 boys (55.1%) and 66 (44.9%) girls with CHD received a dental exam and additionally an assessment using the DIAGNOdent® pen. This study group consisting of patients with CHD was matched with a healthy epidemiological control group in Germany.

RESULTS

Eighty-one boys (55.1%) and 66 (44.9%) girls were examined. The mean age was 11 ± 4 years. 38.8% showed at least one untreated carious lesions. 37.4% had a dmft/DMFT ≥2 and thus represented a group with an increased caries risk. The dmft value was 2.12 ± 1.25 in the age group 3-6 year olds. In the group of the 7-12 year old patients the DMFT/dmft was 2.06 ± 2.27, whereas DMFT in 13-17 year olds was at 2.12 ± 1.58. However, children and adolescents with CHD had a higher DMF index than healthy children in the same age group.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study reveals that more than one third of those examined have a dental condition in need of rehabilitation. In future, close interdisciplinary cooperation between pediatric cardiologists and dentists should ensure regular dental check-ups.

Towards mechanobiologically optimized mandible reconstruction: CAD/CAM miniplates vs. reconstruction plates for fibula free flap fixation: A finite element study

Due to their advantages in applicability, patient-specific (CAD/CAM) reconstruction plates are increasingly used in fibula free flap mandible reconstruction. In addition, recently, CAD/CAM miniplates, with further advantages in postoperative management, have been introduced. However, biomechanical conditions induced by CAD/CAM systems remain partially unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the primary fixation stability of CAD/CAM fixators. For a patient-specific scenario, the biomechanical conditions induced in a one segmental fibula free flap stabilized using either a CAD/CAM reconstruction plate or CAD/CAM miniplates were determined using finite element analysis. The main output parameters were the strains between intersegmental bone surfaces and stresses in the fixation systems due to different biting scenarios. CAD/CAM miniplates resulted in higher mechanical strains in the mesial interosseous gap, whereas CAD/CAM reconstruction plate fixation resulted in higher strains in the distal interosseous gap. For all investigated fixation systems, stresses in the fixation systems were below the material yield stress and thus material failure would not be expected. While the use of CAD/CAM miniplates resulted in strain values considered adequate to promote bone healing in the mesial interosseous gap, in the distal interosseous gap CAD/CAM reconstruction plate fixation might result in more beneficial tissue straining. A mechanical failure of the fixation systems would not be expected.

Detection of mandibular fractures on panoramic radiographs using deep learning

Mandibular fractures are among the most frequent facial traumas in oral and maxillofacial surgery, accounting for 57% of cases. An accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan are vital in achieving optimal re-establishment of occlusion, function and facial aesthetics. This study aims to detect mandibular fractures on panoramic radiographs (PR) automatically. 1624 PR with fractures were manually annotated and labelled as a reference. A deep learning approach based on Faster R-CNN and Swin-Transformer was trained and validated on 1640 PR with and without fractures. Subsequently, the trained algorithm was applied to a test set consisting of 149 PR with and 171 PR without fractures. The detection accuracy and the area-under-the-curve (AUC) were calculated. The proposed method achieved an F1 score of 0.947 and an AUC of 0.977. Deep learning-based assistance of clinicians may reduce the misdiagnosis and hence the severe complications.

Increased rate of pseudarthrosis in the anterior intersegmental gap after mandibular reconstruction with fibula free flaps: a volumetric analysis

OBJECTIVES

Pseudarthrosis after mandibular reconstruction leads to chronic overload of the osteosynthesis and impedes dental rehabilitation. This study evaluates the impact of gap site on osseous union in mandible reconstruction using a new volumetric analysis method with repeated cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

METHODS

The degree of bone regeneration was evaluated in 16 patients after mandible reconstruction with a fibula free flap and patient-specific reconstruction plates. Percentual bone volume and width changes in intersegmental gaps were retrospectively analyzed using a baseline CBCT in comparison to a follow-up CBCT. Patients' characteristics, plate-related complications, and gap sites (anterior/posterior) were analyzed. Detailed assessments of both gap sites (buccal/lingual/superior/inferior) were additionally performed.

RESULTS

Intersegmental gap width (p = 0.002) and site (p < 0.001) significantly influence bone volume change over two consecutive CBCTs. An initial larger gap width resulted in a lower bone volume change. In addition, anterior gaps showed significantly less bone volume changes. Initial gap width was larger at posterior segmental gaps (2.97 vs 1.65 mm, p = 0.017).

CONCLUSIONS

A methodology framework has been developed that allows to quantify pseuarthrosis in reconstructed mandibles using CBCT imaging. The study identifies the anterior segmental gap as a further risk factor for pseudarthrosis in reconstructions with CAD/CAM reconstruction plates. Future research should evaluate whether this outcome is related to the biomechanics induced at this site.

Sonication versus the conventional method for evaluation of the dental microbiome: a prospective pilot study

Objectives

To investigate sonication as a new tool in microbiological probing of dental infections.

Methods

Comparison of a standard probing method: intraoperative swab, with sonication, and vortex of the removed tooth, was performed on 20 carious destructed teeth. Illumina high throughput sequencing of the 16S-rRNA-gene was used for assessing the microbial composition. Antibiotic susceptibility has been assigned based on known resistances of each detected species. Probing procedures were compared using Bland–Altmann-Test, and antibiotic susceptibility using the Friedmann-Test and alpha-adjusted post-hoc-analysis.

Results

In total, 60 samples were analysed: 20 intraoperative swabs, 20 vortex fluids, and 20 sonication fluids. Sonication fluid yielded the highest number of bacterial sequencing reads in all three procedures. Comparing the operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of the identified bacteria, significantly more OTUs were found in sonication fluid samples. Phylum and order abundances varied between the three procedures. Significantly more Actinomycetales have been found in sonication fluid samples compared to swab samples. The assigned resistance rates for the identified bacteria (1.79–31.23%) showed no differences between the tested probing procedures. The lowest resistance rates were found for amoxicillin + clavulanate (3.95%) and levofloxacin (3.40%), with the highest in amoxicillin (30.21%) and clindamycin (21.88%).

Conclusions

By using sonication on extracted teeth, it is possible to get a more comprehensive image of the residing microbial flora compared to the standard procedure. If sonication is not available, vortexing is a potential alternative. In immunocompromised patients, especially when actinomycosis is suspected, sonication should be considered for a more detailed microbiological evaluation of the potential disease-causing microbiome. Due to the high rates of antibiotic resistance, a more targeted antibiotic therapy is favourable. Levofloxacin should be considered as a first-line alternative to amoxicillin + clavulanate in patients with an allergy to penicillin.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12903-022-02374-0.

Influence of sex on survival rates of HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers

The role of human papillomavirus (HPV) status for the prognosis of oropharyngeal cancers (OPCs) is discussed controversially. Here, we present an analysis of 144,969 head and neck cancer cases (ICD-10 codes: C00–C13) with a sub-cohort of 62,775 tumor cases of the oropharynx (C01, C09, and C10). To this end, de-identified data from electronic health records of about 60 healthcare organizations from 30 different countries were used. Odds ratios, hazard ratios (HRs), and Kaplan–Meier analyses were used to compare outcomes between different cancer entities of neoplasms of the base of the tongue (C01), of tonsils (C09), and of the oropharynx (C10) of women and men with and without HPV infection. To avoid the bias from different age distributions, the cohorts were balanced using propensity score matching. The 5-year survival rate for HPV-positive patients is somewhat better than that for HPV-negative patients, but for age- and sex-balanced cohorts, there remains no significant advantage for HPV-positive patients [HR, 1.126 (0.897–1.413)]. Looking at the different entities and HPV status for age-matched male and female patients separately, HPV is a significantly positive prognostic factor for female patients in some entities, whereas for male patients, it is only a positive prognostic factor for malignant neoplasms of oropharynx (C10) [HR, 1.077 (0.602–1.926)].

Prognostic value of lymph node involvement in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Objectives

Different parameters have been identified in patients with oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) that have a serious impact on survival, including residual tumour and extracapsular spread. Moreover, other factors, including the lymph node ratio (LNR) and lymph node yield (LNY), have been suggested as prognostic markers.

Material and methods

This retrospective study included patients diagnosed with OSCC and cervical lymph node metastases during the years 2010–2020. Patients’ records were evaluated regarding lymph node status, final therapy regime, tumour recurrence, time to death, tumour association with death, disease-free survival (DSF), and overall survival (OS).

Results

In 242 patients with a mean age of 63.57 ± 11.24 years, treated either by selective neck dissection (SND; n = 70) or by modified radical neck dissection (MRND; n = 172), 5772 lymph nodes were detected. The LNR and LNY were identified as independent risk factors in OS and DFS. The optimal cut-off point for the LNY was ≥ 17 lymph nodes in the SND and ≥ 27 lymph nodes in the MRND group.

The metastatic lymph node clearance (MLNC) was established as a score to relate the LNR and LNY to the extent of lymph node removal. Survival analysis showed statistically significant differences among score levels.

Conclusions

As information about the extent of nodal dissection is excluded from LNR and LNY, we propose the use of a new scoring system comprising individual cut-off values for LNY and LNR with regard to the extent of neck dissection.

Clinical Relevance

MLNC might help to identify high-risk OSCC patients with metastatic lymph nodes.